Auction is the best way to market a property — it’s completely transparent. You can see exactly where your competition is and what they’re willing to pay.

— LIAM BOSHOFF

Auctions create urgency — buyers know they must act quickly and complete their due diligence.

— JEFF HULME

It’s the best way to get an unconditional deal on your property within a short campaign—sold under the hammer with no waiting on conditions.

— TRACY BEER

I recommend auction if the property is different to normal, has potential to upgrade and flip, or will be wanted by many potential buyers.

— ROSS BENBOW

Selling by Auction with Summit Real Estate

Selling by auction with Summit Real Estate delivers clarity, momentum, and strong market engagement, giving sellers confidence in achieving the best possible result. Auctions are a strategic method when competition can be created and buyers are motivated to act within a defined timeframe. With deep local knowledge across Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough, Summit leverages auctions to attract serious, genuine buyers, drive urgency, and allow the market to determine true property value through transparent competition.

Auction is particularly effective for properties that stand out in the market or generate strong buyer interest. Properties with unique features, character, or renovation potential often perform best at auction, as buyers are prepared to compete for something different. Properties in sought-after locations or premium neighbourhoods also benefit, especially where demand outweighs supply. By marketing without a fixed asking price, Summit encourages broader buyer engagement, builds competition, and creates confidence through open bidding — often resulting in a stronger final outcome for sellers.

With Summit’s expert auction team guiding every step of the process, sellers can be assured of a professional, strategic approach that maximises exposure, creates momentum, and delivers clear, unconditional real estate auction results.

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Summit’s Auction Marketing Process

A Summit auction campaign is designed to maximise exposure, momentum, and buyer engagement within a focused three- to four-week timeframe. Every auction listing is supported by professional photography and high-quality presentation to ensure the property stands out from the outset. Your property is promoted through Summit’s extensive marketing channels, including feature placement in the Summit Weekly magazine, digital advertising across major online platforms, premium auction signage, and direct marketing to Summit’s active buyer database. Pre-auction open homes, private viewings, and buyer qualification ensure interested purchasers are informed, prepared, and ready to bid on auction day.

Onsite Auctions — Our Winning Strategy

Summit’s onsite auctions deliver the best results. The property itself sets the stage, creating energy and excitement that fuels competition and maximises final bids, often straight after the last open viewing.

Summit’s Own Dedicated Auction Team

Our Summit auctioneers are highly trained, passionate professionals with extensive local experience. When you sell through a Summit auction, you have the region’s most dedicated and skilled team working to achieve the best possible result for your property.

Ready to Auction with Summit?

Summit’s team will guide you through every step — no surprises. Want to find out how much your home is worth and find out more about the Auction process?

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Auction, done with clarity

Sell with certainty. A defined timeline. Clear conditions. Competitive bidding.

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What are the benefits of selling by auction? 

  • Sense of urgency 
    Auction campaigns have a fixed deadline, creating urgency and motivating buyers to act rather than wait. 

  • No price limitations 
    Marketing without an asking price avoids capping buyer interest and attracts a wider range of purchasers. 

  • Tracking buyer interest 
    All Summit salespeople can register interested buyers through a centralised system, allowing us to track interest and communicate quickly if a pre-auction offer arises. 

  • Market feedback 
    Throughout the campaign, your salesperson provides regular feedback to help you make informed decisions, including setting the reserve. 

  • Buyer competition 
    Auctions encourage multiple buyers to compete openly, which can drive stronger prices. 

  • Certainty 
    Buyers must bid on an unconditional basis, removing the risk of delayed or complicated conditions. 

  • Control 
    You remain in control — you set the reserve price and choose a settlement date that suits your needs. 

  • Options before auction day 
    You may consider offers prior to auction day if you choose, in line with Summit’s pre-auction offer process. 

The great thing about an auction process is that all interested parties have the opportunity to do their homework and make an offer

Auction FAQ's

How does auction attract the right buyers?

Auctions attract buyers who are motivated, prepared, and ready to act. Because buyers must complete their due diligence before auction day, those who engage are serious about purchasing. This creates a stronger, more committed buyer pool.

Can a vendor negotiate after the auction has ended?

No. Once the auction closes and a sale is achieved, the final price is legally binding and cannot be changed. If the property is passed in, negotiation may occur after the auction with interested buyers.

How long does the auction campaign process take?

Once the decision has been made to sell by auction, the marketing campaign typically runs for three to five weeks. This timeframe may vary depending on the property and the vendor’s preferences, but the key advantage is a defined selling period that builds momentum and focuses buyer interest toward auction day.

Why does marketing without a price benefit vendors?

By not advertising a price, buyers assess your property on its features and suitability rather than being filtered out by a number. This broadens appeal, increases enquiry, and encourages competition — allowing the market to determine true value.

When does selling by auction make the most sense?

Auction is particularly effective when a property stands out from the norm, has potential to upgrade or add value, or is likely to appeal to multiple buyers. These situations benefit most from competition, urgency, and open market exposure.

What kind of result does auction deliver?

Auction delivers a transparent, unconditional result in real time. When the hammer falls, the sale is binding — with no waiting on conditions, finance, or delays. It’s a fast, decisive pathway to achieving true market value.

How much control do I have as the seller?

You as the vendor remain fully in control. You set the reserve price, choose the settlement date, and determine key terms such as possession and chattels. Auction provides structure without removing seller decision-making.

Do auctions only suit premium or mortgagee properties?

No. While auctions are commonly associated with estate or mortgagee sales, they are equally effective for homes with broad buyer appeal, unique features, or strong demand. Auction is a strategy — not a last resort.

What happens if my property doesn’t sell under the hammer?

There is always a Plan B. If the property is passed in, it can be immediately priced using the market insight gained during the auction campaign. You retain momentum, buyer interest, and a clear, fair understanding of value.

How is auction different from multi-offer sales?

Multi-offer situations can leave buyers uncertain — unsure what to offer or whether they’ve overpaid. Auctions remove this guesswork. Bidding is open and transparent, allowing buyers to see exactly where the market sits and giving sellers confidence that the final price reflects genuine competition.

Does competition really make a difference to price?

Yes. When buyers can see others bidding, confidence increases. Competitive bidding often encourages buyers to stretch further than they initially planned. With a skilled auctioneer controlling the pace and energy, this competition can push prices beyond vendor expectations.

Why do auctions create more urgency than other sale methods?

Auction campaigns work to a fixed deadline. Buyers know they are competing against others and must act quickly or risk missing out. This urgency drives earlier inspections, faster due diligence, and stronger engagement throughout the campaign.

Is auction risky?

No — your reserve protects your property value.

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